Accelerated Free Fall
The AFF program is divided into 8 levels which a student could, in theory, graduate from in 8 jumps although the average is 9 or 10 jumps. Each level is progressively more challenging but uses and builds on the skills learnt in previous levels.
Level 1 - You leave the plane with two Instructors on either side of you and perform a HASP, a
Level 2- You jump with two instructors, once out of the plane you perform a HASP, 2 practice pulls and then go into what's known as "small circles" which is looking at your heading, looking at your Alti and relaxing. Heading, Altitude, Relax, Heading, Altitude, Relax. The secondary instructor may release his hold on you briefly during this time. At 5500ft do a hand flash and solo pull by 5000ft. Practice your good canopy control for a safe landing.
Level 3- Still two instructors, 1 HASP, 1 practice pull and small circles, your secondary and primary instructors both release their grip on you and you will be flying completely on your own. Hand flash and solo pull by 5000ft. This time we will be teaching you some more advanced canopy skills.
Level 4- You only need one instructor now. After the exit perform a HAP (no S as there is no secondary instructor), your instructor releases you and you complete some 90 degree turns, wave off and pull at 5000'. We want to see a more accurate landing by the time your get to level 4.
Level 5- One instructor and he will introduce you to spotting. No not trains, spotting is making sure the aircraft is over the correct "spot" in relation to the drop zone before jumping out. Once in free fall your instructor releases you and you perform some 360 degree turns on heading and some forward movement. Wave off and pull at 4500ft. This time we don't expect to be giving you any corrective instructions for your canopy control.
Level 6- One instructor and your first Solo dive exit, in freefall you will attempt a backloop and a tracking exercise. Tracking is a maneuver in which you alter your body position to achieve maximum forward movement and is used to clear as much horizontal distance between skydivers so they have clear air space in which to deploy their canopies. This jump you wave off and pull by 4000ft
Level 7- On this skydive you put together all the skills you've learnt on the previous levels. One instructor, dive exit, a backloop, 2 x 360 degree turns, track, track turn, wave off and pull by 4000ft. It may sound like a lot now but most students complete all the exercises with time to spare! Imagine the sense of achievement you will feel.
Level 8- This time you leave the aircraft on you own dispatched by your AFF instructor at 5000ft. The object of this skydive is to be stable and pull within 10 seconds.
It should be mentioned that whilst each level has "Learning Objectives", these are guides and the program may be altered to suit the individual student.
After completing the 8 levels you have graduated from the AFF program. You now need to complete 10 consolidation jumps after which you may apply for your British Parachute Association 'A' licence (Internationally recognised) and become an Intermediate Parachutist. This allows you to jump anywhere in the world as a skydiver in your own right!